Helene Billing Wurlitzer (1874-1963) was a quiet woman of the 19th century whose philanthropy continues to impact the lives of 21st-century...
Profiles: Legends
“authentic” is a word that describes the women featured on this website
Authenticity seems to be the common thread that binds these women’s stories, the attribute that most defines them. Our "Legends" are women who have in some way changed or enhanced the community of Taos. Included here are profiles of these remarkable women, written in most cases by women living in Taos today who were influenced and enriched by the lives of these great ladies. May you find inspiration in their lives and words. May you see yourself and parallels with your own life. May they serve as beacons, mentors and role models.
Dorothy and husband Jack built the new Movie Theater building (on the southwest corner of the plaza) in 1937, and were members on many civic...
This British-American painter was born into an aristocratic family. She associated with such notables as Virginia Woolf, Katherine Mansfield,...
After studying design with Annie Albers at Black Mountain College, Rachel moved to Taos in the 50s, where she brought new forms to weaving...
Two sisters, descended from one of New Mexico’s oldest and most respected families, played an important role in the history of Taos during...
Of her writing in Taos Peggy recalled years later that “winter was always my most productive time, perhaps because . . . I was corralled...
Josephine had a 39-year teaching career in Taos and served as the first and only female administrator of the Taos Municipal Schools.
Over 100 years ago Virginia planted the first seeds in the “Mother Garden of Taos.” Her home and garden survive today due to the tender...
The embracing spirit of the Harwood Museum of Art was established by artist Elizabeth (Lucy) Harwood and her husband.
Ann had an intuitive and inherent appreciation for the beauty found in art that is unconstrained by self-conscious adherence to society’s...
Cleofas organized a group called La Sociedad Folklorica de Santa Fe in 1935 tp help preserve traditional Spanish folklore and customs of New...
Dora began visiting Taos in 1944, settling here in 1954, and marrying famous Russian painter Leon Gaspard in 1958.
Taos artist Victor Higgins introduced Barbara and printmaker Howard Cook. Their wedding began a partnership that nurtured both artists for...
After giving birth to three children, Frieda met the author D.H. Lawrence in March 1912. Two months later the couple eloped to Europe....
A noted painter, illustrator and editor, Margaret left New York and her rambunctious husband in 1945 and ran to Taos.
She was a woman of profound contradictions. She was generous. She was petty. Domineering and endearing. Mabel was a salon hostess, art...
Born December 31, 1912 in Newark, New Jersey, from an early age Bea was determined to be an artist.
Martin is considered one of the great painters of the Abstract Expressionist period. Her paintings of barely there colors and lines have led...
When Doc Martin married Helen Campbell in 1917, she found herself surrounded by artists. Her sister-in-law was married to Bert Phillips, and...
Rowena’s life epitomizes the grit, tenacity and hard work it takes to live in Taos. As a single parent she struggled to balance family life...
Born on ancestral land at Taos Pueblo, Eva Mirabal was called, Eah Ha Wa, which means Fast Growing Corn in the Tiwa language.
Jesusita made her debut on New Mexico’s political scene in 1928 when she was elected Secretary of State. In 1939 she moved permanently to...
Lou and Ash arrived in Taos in July of 1936, the year after the death of old Doc Martin who had practiced in Taos for forty years. Their...
Martha designed her signature broomstick skirts for fashinistas from Millicent Rogers to Dennis Hopper.
Often referred to as the "Standard Oil Heiress," Millicent was a collector of southwest jewelry and art which is now the core of the museum...
Virginia began her career as a potter in 1919 and continued to make pots up to her 100th birthday in 1995.
Patricia physically immersed herself in watercolors, sinking in so deep she had to create an apparatus to support herself and her equipment....
In her later years, Benerisa became a most valuable model for Kenneth Adams--an artist and member of the Taos Society of Artists.
Mildred arrived in Taos at the age of 19 in the late 30s. Later, with husband Judson Crews, her home became a magnet for both the literary...
Though born a New Yorker, Hattie embraced traditional New Mexican music and played in a number of local groups.
Duane's art collection, from 1929 till her death in 1977, is the core of the Taos Art Museum's collection.
Mary won best of Modern Pottery 12 years in a row (1998-2009) at Taos Invites Taos exhibitions. She died in 2010, working right up to the end.
As an artist, Zink’s career got off to a rocky start. A shy but brilliant student, she was cowed in the 1950s by a prestigious art school...
